Decatur Focus Jan-Feb 2016

Focus

Playbook Inside

City of Decatur

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016 Volume 26 • Number 6

Official Publication of The City of Decatur, Georgia

Jim and Mickey Baskett Honored with Special Hometown Heroes Presentation

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he Decatur City Commission recognized Jim and Mickey Baskett with a special Hometown Heroes presentation, saying they have been instrumental individually and as a couple in making our community a better place. Mayor Pro Tem Patti Garrett gave some highlights of their service:

Jim: Before being elected as a city commissioner and as mayor, Jim served on the DeKalb Library Board for years and was their first chair. He was instrumental in the renovation of the Old Scottish Rite Hospital and the acquisition of Woodlands Garden. And he uses his electric car to drive the authors to their venues during the AJC Decatur Book Festival.

Mickey: Mickey wrote a monthly restaurant review column, TableTalk, in the Decatur Focus when it began in 1989. She served as the event organizer for the Book Festival VIP party for nine years. She organizes the checkin for authors every year and has worked behind the scenes for the Tour of Homes and the Garden Tour. She performed with Mr. Big and the Chillettes for a decade, raising money for the Concerts on the Square that are free to the community.

See the complete lineup of Hometown Heroes for 2015 on page 9

News 3 City

BUsiness DBA 11 NEWs 16

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DECATUR School 23 Around 17

EVENTs Town news 21

Focus City of Decatur

In 2015, many of you participated in the “Better Together” initiative – a conversation about diversity and building an open and welcoming community. The Community Action Plan outlined a number of projects and initiatives to achieve our goals, but one important lesson was that real change starts with each of us and often can be just a small act of kindness. One Decatur resident took the time to share a story that illustrates this point. As we start a new year, let’s all make a pledge to be open to other perspectives, treat each other with kindness, and take the time to help someone in need.

One Ring Was lost, but now is found.

How two folks helped to shine a little extra light on Decatur’s holiday season

The Decatur Focus is a joint publication of the City of Decatur, the Decatur Downtown Development Authority and the Decatur Business Association. It is a newsletter intended to provide announcements and information related to events, activities, and businesses in the City of Decatur. The purpose of the newsletter is to promote the city and encourage the exchange of information among residents, business owners and the school system. Letters to the editor, editorials or other opinion pieces are not published. All press releases, announcements and other information received for publication are subject to editing. Information found in the Focus is also posted on Decatur’s official website at decaturga.com. The deadline for submitting articles, announcements or advertising is the first day of the month preceding publication. Contact: Editor, Decatur Focus, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031, 404-371-8386; fax 404-371-1593; email: decaturfocus@decaturga.com.

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DECATUR CITY COMMISSION

Story submitted by Decatur resident Neha Patel

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y husband Robb Wetzel and I (Neha Patel) have lived in Decatur since 1999 and have always loved the “small town” feel of it. Today we were presented with yet another example of just what it is that makes our city so wonderful and why we believe in supporting our local businesses.

Fred Boykin.................................Commissioner Scott Drake..................................Commissioner Patti Garrett.................................Commissioner Tony Powers...............................Commissioner Brian Smith..................................Commissioner The new city commission will elect a mayor and mayor pro tem in January, but that information was not available at press time.

We live off of Sycamore Street and last night (Dec. 3) we decided to bike down to the square (as we often do) with our children to take part in the Little Shop of Stories tree lighting. We ran into numerous friends and had a wonderful time. As we were getting ready for bed, my husband noticed that his wedding band was no longer on his finger. We scoured the house and finally decided that he must have lost it earlier in the evening.

see RING, page 10 DECATUR DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Board Chris Sciarrone, Chair Linda Curry • John Drake Bill Floyd • Scott Kentner Tony Leung • Fisher Paty

Decatur Business Association

DECATUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Rob Wetzel with Decatur PAL Mary Germany, one of the heroes of the story Information for the FOCUS should be submitted by mail to Editor, Decatur Focus, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031, or by email to decaturfocus@decaturga.com.

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Tim Martin.............................................. President Kyle Williams............................. President-Elect Susan Sparks.......................................... Treasurer Lisa Bobb................................................. Secretary Marc Brennan............................. Past President Design and layout: Lampe-Farley.com

City News Decatur 101 Begins Feb. 25

City Commission Holiday Schedule

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ity Commission meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of every month unless there is a Monday holiday. The January and February meetings are affected by the MLK holiday and Presidents Day and will be held as follows: Monday, Jan. 4 Tuesday, Jan. 19 Monday, Feb. 1 Tuesday, Feb. 16

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ecatur 101, a program designed to develop informed and involved citizens, begins Thursday, Feb. 25. Classes are held for seven weeks. Participants learn how the City of Decatur works, who does what, and how they can make a difference. The last class will be Thursday, April 14, and will focus on City Schools of Decatur (we will skip April 7 because schools will be closed for spring break).

The program includes a Smart Growth Walking Tour for both classes on one Saturday in March. Classes are held on Thursdays in various city buildings and the school session will be at one of the school facilities.

Topics to be covered include history, development, budget, police and fire, emergency management, personnel, volunteer opportunities, and more.

The morning class is 10 a.m.-noon and the evening class is 7-9 p.m., with tours of various city buildings at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The program is free and open to the first 35 applicants.

The 2016 class is almost full. If you are interested, email linda.harris@decaturga.com or call 678-553-6512. Be sure to include your mailing address along with your name, phone number, email address, and preference of morning or evening class.

Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals Need Members There are openings on the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. If you are interested in serving on either one of these volunteer boards, please submit a Statement of Interest form to Peggy Merriss, City Manager, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031. Or fax it to 678-553-6518 or email it to peggy.merriss@decaturga.com. Statement of Interest forms can be found on the city website, decaturga.com/city-government/resident-boards-commissions, or at City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St. The deadline for submission is Feb. 12.

Meetings are at 7:30 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St. Agendas are posted by the entrances to City Hall and online at decaturga.com/citycommission.

Can’t attend a meeting in person? There are three ways to watch at home: • Watch the live broadcast on Comcast channel 25.

• Watch the re-broadcast at 2 p.m. on the Saturday following the Monday night live broadcast on Comcast channel 25.

• Watch online, live or any time after the meeting, by going to decaturga.com/citycommission and clicking on “streaming video.”

Holiday Schedule for Solid Waste and Recycling Services Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Monday, Jan. 18 Regular solid waste and recycling for Monday will be picked up on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Regular solid waste and recycling for Tuesday will be picked up on Wednesday, Jan. 20.

Presidents Day Monday, Feb. 15 Regular solid waste and recycling for Monday will be picked up on Tuesday, Feb. 16. Regular solid waste and recycling for Tuesday will be picked up on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 3

City News Decatur Beer Festival Grant Recipients

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he Decatur Craft Beer Festival began in 1998 as a way to showcase the growing number of new restaurants and pubs in downtown Decatur. The first event, held in the spring of 1998, was so successful that another was held in the fall of that year. The Decatur Craft Beer Festival has been held every October since then and this year marked our 19th event.

Organizers are honored to donate all of the profits from the event each year to city-of-Decatur nonprofit organizations and to support critical downtown projects.

This year the committee donated more than $58,000 to 20 local programs and projects.

Since the beginning, the Decatur Craft Beer Festival has returned more than $1.3 million to the Decatur community.

The 2015 recipients include: Community Farmers Market, Inc. Funds will be used to assist the project with expanding outreach to provide access to fresh, healthy local food to the residents of Decatur, with an emphasis on reaching low-income families.

The Community School Funds will be used to support the Independence Curriculum and other programs, such as the Internship Program and transition support (subsidize the costs of outings, class supplies, activity fees, transportation).

Day League (DeKalb County Rape Crisis Center) Funds will be used to help operate the 24-hour crisis line for six months.

Decatur Arts Alliance Funds will go toward The Book As Art exhibition, presented by the Decatur Arts Alliance.

This exhibition has grown to include entries from all over the world and has received regional and international acclaim.

Decatur Arts Alliance Funds will be used to enhance and increase the number of 2016 Oakhurst arts events.

Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) Funds will be used to help fund a communitybased sleep-out to raise awareness about homelessness in the Decatur/DeKalb County community and the emergency shelter.

Decatur Education Foundation Funds will be used to help make music education available to low-income families. Research has shown that music can help improve children’s academic success in all fields.

Decatur High School Band Parents Association Funds will be used to purchase instruments for students who wish to participate in the band but cannot afford the instruments.

Decatur Preservation Alliance MLK Service Project Funds will be used to assist low-income senior homeowners who reside in the city by providing house maintenance and repair so that this vulnerable population may remain in their homes safely and comfortably.

Decatur-Area Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM) Funds will be used to repair the storage pantry at Holy Trinity Parish and allow the food bank buyer to make better use of Atlanta Food Bank offerings and reduce the risk of shortages.

DeKalb History Center Funds will be used to make repairs to and stabilize the 1830s-era Thomas-Barber Cabin.

DeKalb Library Foundation Funds will be used to provide support for Decatur Library’s Doris K. Wells Heritage Festival activities, to be held at the Decatur Library through January 2016. This will be a yearly event highlighting a different cultural heritage each year.

Global Village Project, Inc. Funds will be used to purchase materials to support the innovative and collaborative Arts Program. The goal is to prepare refugee girls ages 11-18, who’ve experienced interrupted more

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City News education, to be successful in high school through the integration of arts into the academic classroom.

City of Decatur Housing Authority Funds will be used to support the STAR Afterschool College Tours program, which encourages students to take control of their academic careers and develop a personal vision that includes attending a secondary education institution.

Literacy Action Funds will be used to support the Decatur office, which houses 11 classes that provide instruction to undereducated adults in the areas of math, spelling, and basic literacy.

On The Same Page Funds will be used to help with three aspects of the OTSP program “Be a True Friend,” which promotes kindness and empathy to combat bullying, and to teach kids about disabilities, specifically deafness and deaf culture.

Our House Funds will be used to purchase classroom materials and supplies used to support the curricula of the early childhood education programs provided by Our House to homeless children ages six weeks to five years.

Poverty is Real Funds will be used to leverage the universal love of music to fight poverty and homelessness at the local level.

Tanyard Creek Community Garden Funds will be used to help buy native plants for the greenspace and develop an irrigation system for the community garden.

Woodlands Garden of Decatur, Inc. Funds will be used for expanded educational programming designed to help Decatur residents connect with nature. The funds will help upgrade tour services, allowing Woodlands to provide guided tours to people using an app on their phone.

Decatur Prepares Updated Comprehensive Plan

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he City of Decatur, with assistance from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), is helping secure our community’s future with an update to our comprehensive plan. The plan is an official document, adopted by local governments, that describes and helps guide decisions about housing, natural and cultural resources, transportation, land use, and community facilities, among other topics.

Decatur is required to update the plan every 10 years to retain its local qualified government status, which enables the city to obtain state and federal assistance funds. The update is due in October 2016.

We follow specific guidelines published by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and want to hear from those who work, live, and recreate in the community. For anyone who cares about the way our community will grow in the future, there will be a variety of easy and fun opportunities to comment and contribute to the update.

Watch the Decatur website and Decatur Focus for upcoming project information and meeting announcements. For more information, contact Angela Threadgill, 678-553-6575 or angela.threadgill@decaturga.com.

Call for Nominations

2016 Decatur Design Awards

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n May each year the City of Decatur and the Decatur Preservation Commission recognize and honor projects or individuals that promote excellence in preservation, design, sustainability, and advocacy. Categories include historic preservation, adaptive use, new residential infill, new commercial construction, landscapes/public spaces, public/institutional buildings, sustainable design/energy efficiency, and the Leila Ross Wilburn Award for individuals or organizations that promote preservation and/or excellence in design.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2016 Decatur Design Awards. Projects must have been permitted and completed within the last five years and must be located in the city.

For application requirements, contact Angela Threadgill, angela.threadgill@decaturga.com, or go to decaturga.com/design-awards.

Nominations must be received by Friday, April 8, and must be turned in at the Design, Environment, and Construction Division, 2635 Talley St., Decatur, GA 30030. The ceremony will be held in May 2016.

Help Make Decatur Events Special Do you like to plan special events? Are you a frustrated concert promoter? Do you have ideas to bring new energy to Decatur’s calendar of events, festivals and concerts?

Want to help us diversify our music and event offerings? If so, we are looking for new members for our special events and concerts committees. Put your talent and energy to work in the community and help us get creative with the event calendar. Contact special events coordinator Shirley Baylis at shirley.baylis@decaturga.com or call 404-371-8386. Committees will begin organizing in February.

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City News Decatur Postcard Project Seeks Submissions

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he 2016 Decatur Postcard Project is looking for artists, students, residents, businesses, and members of the community who would like to submit images that reflect different aspects of the city to use on postcards. If you have photos or other artwork that captures the essence of what Decatur is all about and would like to share, send in your work. Submissions are welcome from all ages.

Six to 12 postcards will be chosen by a jury and will ultimately be for sale at the Visitors Center. Project details are posted online at decaturartsalliance.org, and on the Decatur tourism website, visitdecaturgeorgia.com.

The Decatur Postcard Project is sponsored by the Decatur Arts Alliance, the Decatur Downtown Development Authority, and the Decatur Tourism Bureau. For additional information, email tourism@decaturga.com.

Decatur for a Lifetime

Save Money on Your Taxes

Thursday, Feb. 18 • 6:30 p.m.

Decatur Recreation Center • 231 Sycamore St.

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omeowners are invited to an information session on Homestead Exemptions and how they save you money on your taxes. Russ Madison, Decatur Revenue and Technology director, will answer questions about the various exemptions and how to apply. If you have a neighbor who is a senior citizen and unable to drive to the meeting, please bring them with you.

The deadline to apply for City of Decatur exemptions is April 1, but you are asked to apply by March 15. You will find out about the documentation you will need to provide to obtain these exemptions. You might also be eligible for a Homestead Exemption to reduce your DeKalb County taxes. Please be sure you have applied for those exemptions too.

This information session is presented by Decatur’s Lifelong Community Advisory Board. For more information about the Decatur for a Lifetime initiative or the board, contact leeann.harvey@decaturga.com or 678-553-6548.

Seeking Input on Transportation Options

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People frequently purchase postcards for use as save-the-date cards, holiday cards, and more. Use your imagination and submit your favorite Decatur image.

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ommunity members are invited to participate in a survey on current and future transportation options. An important component of a great community is the ability to easily get from one place to another, within and outside its boundaries. This survey will gather information from City of Decatur residents regarding the transportation options currently used, and help us plan for future options.

The Lifelong Community Advisory Board looks forward to receiving suggestions on options you would like to have in the future. Help make Decatur a place for a lifetime – for people of all ages and abilities.

To complete the survey online go to surveymonkey. com/r/decaturtransportation. Or contact Lee Ann Harvey, 678-553-6548, leeann.harvey@decaturga.com, if you would like to have a hard copy sent to you.

City News MLK Service Project: Still Time to Volunteer

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olunteer opportunities are still available for the 14th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project on the weekend of Jan. 16-18. Join with other volunteers doing greatly needed repairs and yard work that the fixed- and low-income elderly homeowners have been unable to afford. Volunteers may work one or more shifts.

There are jobs available for all skill levels and for unskilled volunteers. Several positions are available for volunteers with trucks. There are also a limited number of positions available on Friday. Youth groups are welcome.

There is a minimum age of 12 to volunteer, unless volunteering through a supervised organization such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts. Please check first before signing up a youth group.

A release form and other information regarding the service project are available online at mlkserviceproject.com. To sign up to volunteer, contact Lee Ann Harvey, 678-553-6548, or leeann.harvey@decaturga.com.

Volunteer Shifts Volunteers may sign up for one or more of the following shifts: Saturday, Jan. 16 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and/or 1-5 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 17 1-5 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 18 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and/or 1-5 p.m.

Gardening among the Graves What’s New at Decatur Cemetery?

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ach Tuesday, weather permitting, a group of intrepid gardeners meets at 9 a.m. in the Old Section of Decatur Cemetery to “garden among the graves.” Led by Master Gardener Jim Toney, volunteers have been busy this fall planting perennials to create an appealing landscape for visitors – whether two- or four-footed or winged.

New plantings include berries, grasses, plants with showy flowers, and plants whose appeal is seen in various hues and textures.

The iris garden should put on quite a show in the spring. Visiting the cemetery, even in winter, can be restful and uplifting. Come and watch as the miracle of spring begins to unfold.

For more information about “gardening among the graves,” contact Jim Toney, jimtoney2033@gmail.com, or friendsofdecaturcemetery@gmail.com.

Cemetery gardeners Nick Richwagen, Patrick Knealy, and Loie Valentine

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City News School News

Take a Walk with Active Living

Decatur Active Living hosts Third Sunday Strolls every month at 2 p.m. and Bright at Night Walks every fourth Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The photo is from the Third Sunday Stroll in November that featured Jonah McDonald, author of Hiking Atlanta’s Hidden Forests, leading the participants through the Decatur Cemetery. Fifty people attended and learned about champion trees as well as some history of Decatur. The Active Living Pedestrian Committee organizes and hosts the Third Sunday Strolls and the fourth Thursday Bright at Night Walks. For the Third Sunday Strolls, meet in front of the Decatur Recreation Center and be ready to walk at 2 p.m. For the fourth Thursday Walks, meet at 7:30 p.m.

Both are offered free to the community. For more information: decaturga.com/walking

Six Videos Added to Decatur Restaurant Tour

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isit Decatur’s online culinary destination, decaturrestaurant-tour.com, to see video tours in addition to personal interviews with popular chefs and restaurateurs, hosted

by Mary Moore, the chef-turned-retailer behind The Cook’s Warehouse. Six new videos have now been added to the series.

Mary visits Duck’s, Makan (pictured here), Revival, Taqueria del Sol, Twain’s Brewpub & Billiards, and Twisted Soul. Her knowledge and experience bring interesting insights to the subject of creative cuisine. Moore explained, “The videos are an ideal way to show dimensions of a restaurant you just can’t get from listings or review sites. Preparing food has a lot to do with creative expression, and the personal interviews give a better understanding of this.”

The Decatur Tourism Bureau produces six videos every year, thanks to a generous sponsorship from Springer Mountain Farms. The goal of the tours is to be inclusive, ultimately showcasing all of Decatur’s restaurants. Both a tourism and economic development effort, the videos are the result of online user research. The research showed that a significant number of people searching for Decatur were looking for dining options. The website is designed to make the search easier, according to Visitor’s Center Manager Sherry Jackman.

To view the videos, visit decaturrestaurant-tour.com.

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City

News

Hometown Heroes for 2015 Recognized

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he City Commission presented 14 Hometown Hero medals to the 2015 Hometown Heroes at the DBA Holiday Party in December. Hometown Heroes are nominated each year by members of the community for their volunteer efforts and for working behind the scenes to make our community a better place. They are chosen by a panel of judges who work with volunteers all over the state.

Congratulations to Sally Brozek, Eli Dodsen, Larry Holland, Sheri Kennedy, Helen Lowenthal, Lorri Mills, Anne Morris, Jeff Newberry, Kathy Phillips, Michael Rossi, Clay Scarborough, Danielle Suchdev, Kelly Walsh, and Marty Wood.

Above: Patti Garrett with Eli Dodsen Right: Fred Boykin with Clay Scarborough Left: Jim Baskett with Danielle Suchdev Below: Decatur’s Hometown Heroes for 2015

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 9

City News Winter Weather Tips and Tools

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Preparing for winter isn’t complicated or expensive. A few simple steps can help you and your family remain safe this season. The following recommendations come from NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS):

This morning (Dec. 4) my husband searched a portion of the route we had taken as he walked our youngest to “school” at Holy Trinity Parish PreSchool – sadly, no ring. We decided, that even though our chances were slim, it was worth a look around the square. As we were searching the parking lot in front of Little Shop of Stories my husband was approached by Mary Germany, one of Decatur’s PALS, who inquired if he needed help – we must have looked desperate and a bit crazy walking around the cars and peeking under them…

He explained his situation. Mary, now enlisted in the search, looked down, did a quick scan, pointed and said, “Is that it?” It was!!!

Mary will forever be “Eagle Eye Mary” in our book. The ring had clearly been run over a few times (if not more) but it was found. We asked Mary what we could do for her and she simply said “Merry Christmas!” gave us hugs and walked away.

The story however, does not end there.

We had purchased the ring eight years earlier at Decatur City Jewelers from Brett Weiler and figured we might as well walk over and see if he could help fix it up, since the shop was just around the corner. Brett greeted us when we walked in the door, listened to our story, took the ring and set to work.

Ten minutes later the ring was back on my husband’s finger a little worse for wear and with a great story to accompany its scars. We asked for the bill and were again told “Merry Christmas!”

We cannot fully express how thankful we are to Mary and Brett! Merry Christmas indeed!

Know Your Risks • A few inches of snow or ice can shut down a city and leave you trapped at home for days.

• Driving on ice and snow-covered roads can lead to car wrecks, injuries, and death.

• Snow, ice, and wind associated with winter storms can have a huge impact on travel, infrastructure, schools, and businesses.

• Frostbite may develop on exposed skin when temperatures are below freezing. Add wind to below freezing temperatures and frostbite can set in even quicker. Hypothermia is also a danger.

• Flooding is also possible due to snowmelt, ice jams, and coastal storms.

Take Action • Before you go out, check the forecast at weather.gov to make sure you’re prepared for the elements. Follow NWS on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date with the latest weather news.

• At home: have an Emergency Preparedness Kit with three days of food, water, prescription medications, and other supplies. Also consider obtaining an NOAA Weather Radio.

• Make sure your cell phone is fully charged when a storm is approaching and also anytime you’re planning to leave the house. It could become your lifeline should disaster strike.

• In your car: make sure you have food, water, and blankets in your trunk. Stay off the road when advised to do so by local authorities.

• Check your flashlight batteries and make sure you have spares on hand.

• Get to know your neighbors in case you or they need assistance during a weather event.

• Dress for the season: wear loose, warm clothing in layers.

• Don’t forget your pets! Keep them inside during cold weather.

• During and after a storm: never use a generator or kerosene heater indoors – carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer.

• After the storm: take breaks when shoveling snow and stay clear of downed power lines.

In the event of snow and/or ice in Decatur • The city will concentrate on providing a usable travel lane in each direction on major streets and clearing sidewalks near MARTA stations.

• The city will work with City Schools of Decatur to make sure entrances, exits, and driveways at the schools are clear.

• Residents should expect to clear their driveways and sidewalks. It is unlikely that the city will be able to clear interior neighborhood residential streets.

• If you, or a neighbor, are a senior, someone with a medical need or someone with special needs, consider creating a safety profile at smart911.com. You can also contact Lifelong Community Coordinator Lee Ann Harvey, 770-652-8593, to be placed on the home checklist maintained by the Police Department.

Stay tuned to thedecaturminute.com blog, Downtown Decatur on Facebook, and the city’s website for information about facilities closures.

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Business & Nonprofit News Holy Trinity parishioners and bicycle proponents celebrate Bike Solar day in October as part of the church’s Green Team initiative. At top left, the church’s solar array can be seen on the roof of the parish hall.

Holy Trinity Challenges Local Places of Worship To Join Sustainability Efforts

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he Rev. Greg Tallant, Holy Trinity Episcopal rector, is issuing a “friendly challenge” to places of worship in Decatur to join in a major commitment to the environment in 2016. From solar panels on the roof of the parish hall that generate electricity, to a garden at the churchsponsored preschool, Holy Trinity parishioners have year-round programs and activities to foster creation care.

Under the umbrella of the parish’s “Green Team,” efforts to endorse green and sustainable practices include curbing water waste, recycling, serving only Fair Trade coffee, hosting bike events, and generating power with rooftop solar panels. In 2012, the Green Team was awarded a “Green Certification” through Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL).

On Jan. 28 at 7 p.m., Holy Trinity’s Green Team will present “Global Water Management and Challenges to Sustain-

ability,” featuring Randy Booker, Ph.D., P.E. Booker is an environmental engineer with 20 years of experience working on local, national and international water resources and environmental management projects. He is a registered professional engineer in several states and has worked with both public/ municipal utilities and private/industrial clients on water, stormwater and water reuse projects. The presentation is free and open to the community.

On April 24, the Sunday following Earth Day, Holy Trinity will do an encore performance of the Bike Solar Event held in October. Two bike rides will be offered – an eight-mile ride and an 18-mile ride. Both rides will have leaders and sweeps.

Weekly, the church serves coffee in mugs rather than disposable cups, pours water from pitchers rather than plastic bottles, uses glasses rather than plastic cups, moni-

tors the trash, and recycles plastics, paper, and glass.

Holy Trinity models its environmental focus on areas outlined by GIPL. These include: Power Wise, focusing on energy efficiency; Water Wise, pursuing water efficiency; Waste Wise, reducing, reusing, and recycling trash; and Dirt Wise, using land to create vegetable gardens.

To accept Rev. Tallant’s friendly challenge, congregations can go to the Georgia Interfaith Power and Light website, gipl.org, and sign up for the Creation Wise program.

To schedule a tour of the parish’s solar array, contact the parish office, 404-377-2622, or go to holytrinitydecatur.org and contact a clergy or staff member. Visitors to the website can also monitor the amount of electricity the solar panel is generating in real time.

Holy Trinity is at 515 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. in downtown Decatur.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 11

Business & Nonprofit News AADD Names Deputy Director

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ll About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) has named Veronica Rohrlack as deputy director. She will report to executive director Kathy Keeley and will be responsible for overseeing the Georgia Community Trust, the Family Support Center Program, and other community-based projects.

Rohrlack has almost two decades of experience in the social services field. She has worked with grassroots initiatives and was recognized for her work in the area of self-sufficiency by the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits. She also received the Easter Seals of Southern Georgia Distinguished Service Award for her work with family support services across the state of Georgia.

AADD recently took over day-to-day management of the Georgia Community Trust, a not-for-profit entity that assists with financial planning for Georgians with disabilities. The Georgia Community Veronica Rohrlack Trust, currently valued at approximately $12 million, with 225 active accounts statewide, is a master trust with separate accounts designed to provide individuals with disabilities with a savings venue that does not affect their state benefits.

AADD will grow the trust and launch a series of classes around the state to educate families on how they can use and benefit from the trust’s services.

The AADD Family Support Center will open satellite offices to provide a dedicated space, services and programs designed to help metro Atlanta families impacted by developmental disabilities work through the challenges they face. Services are available to any family and delivered by a team of seasoned consultants.

Issues the team can help families navigate include: • Providing transition plans for young adults transitioning out of the school system • Helping aging parents set up a long-term-care plan for their adult child • Providing strategies to address behavioral issues • Giving waiver application assistance.

Founded in 1956, All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing family support, advocacy and training opportunities for individuals and families living with developmental disabilities. For more information, go to aadd.org or call 404-881-9777.

PADV Welcomes New President

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artnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV) has appointed Nancy Friauf as the new president and CEO. Friauf has served Atlanta’s nonprofit community for more than 35 years, including recent leadership positions as executive director at Genesis Shelter and Gwinnett Children’s Shelter. Prior to these, she served as director for Crisis Intervention at YWCA of Cobb County for the Department of Battered Women’s rape and crisis programs.

Friauf graduated from Northwestern University with a bachelor of arts in psychology, and received a master of education in community Nancy Friauf counseling from Georgia State University. She also holds a master of public administration in nonprofit management degree from Georgia State University, is an Amanda G. Hyatt Fellow, and received the 2013 Martin Luther King Jr. Torch of Peace award.

PADV’s mission is to end the crime of intimate partner violence and empower its survivors.

The largest and one of the oldest nonprofit domestic violence agencies in Georgia, PADV has served metro Atlanta since 1975. For more information, visit padv.org, or follow PADV on Facebook at facebook.com/PADVAtlanta and @PADVAtlanta on Twitter.

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Library Foundation Board Elects Garnitz

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n January Rick Garnitz became president of the DeKalb Library Foundation Board.

Rick is president of LifeSpan Services, a Decatur-based retirement planning and financial literacy Rick Garnitz firm he founded 30 years ago. He has been active in various civic organizations in Decatur and DeKalb County for 30 years and has served on the foundation’s board for four years.

The mission of the DeKalb Library Foundation is two-fold. It provides support for DeKalb’s 22 branch libraries beyond public funding available. It also aids in enriching the lives of DeKalb citizens through educational, cultural, and literacy programs and services. Libraries are a vital community resource for a lifetime of learning. Rick plans to increase and broaden the DeKalb Library Foundation’s funding goals. In addition, the board will build visibility in the community for the variety of services DeKalb libraries provide every day.

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Business & Nonprofit News NAMI Family-toFamily Course Begins Feb. 11

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AMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) DeKalb will sponsor a free Family-to-Family Education program specifically for families of persons diagnosed with serious mental health conditions. The 12-week series of classes will start in Decatur on Thursday, Feb. 11, 5:45-7:45 p.m.

The organization’s mission is to promote recovery and improve the quality of life for those afflicted with mental illness by providing support, education, and advocacy. The NAMI course will cover information about schizophrenia; mood disorders (bipolar disorder and major depression); panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder; coping skills such as handling crisis and relapse; basic information about medications; listening and communication techniques; problem-solving skills; recovery and rehabilitation; and selfcare around worry and stress.

The program curriculum was written by an experienced mental health professional.

The course will be taught by Cynthia Moorer, NAMI DeKalb co-president, a familymember volunteer who has taken intensive training as a course instructor. The course is designed specifically for parents, siblings, spouses, teenage and adult children, and significant others of persons with severe and persistent mental illness. For more information or to register, call Janice Ross, 404-6256730 or janice@namidekalb.com.

Farmers Market Winter Schedule The Wednesday afternoon Decatur Farmers Market will continue through the winter months at the First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave. The Saturday Farmers Market, at Trinity Place and McDonough Street, will return beginning in April.

Decatur Attorneys Join Bikelaw GA

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ruce Hagan opened his law office in the historic Marble House on North McDonough Street in 2003, where he and his team of lawyers and paralegals help clients with personal injury claims. Shortly after bringing his law practice to Decatur, Bruce teamed up with Decatur resident and bicycle lawyer Ken Rosskopf to work together on cases involving personal injury claims arising out of bike crashes. In December, Bruce and Ken formalized their 10-year informal partnership with the creation of a new firm called Hagen Rosskopf and Earle, LLC. In addition, Bruce was invited to be the Georgia representative in the Bikelaw network (bikelaw.com). Bikelaw is a national group of lawyer/advocates that promotes bike culture, supports advocacy efforts and helps injured cyclists with their claims. Bikelaw has representatives in more than 20 states and relies on the collective power of its members to form a strong knowledge base aimed at helping to spread the word about safe cycling. As a result of his affiliation with Bikelaw, Bruce is now involved with local advocacy groups including the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and Georgia Bikes!, a statewide group dedicated to making bicycling safer for Georgians.

For more information, visit bikelaw.com/georgia or email bruce@bikelaw.com.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 13

Business & Nonprofit News The Place on Ponce recently held a grand opening for the community.

Its units are currently 60 percent leased – 140 out of 234 – which is more than the total projected by this time. The Place features contemporary one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Amenities include a 4,000-square-foot resident clubroom, a 1,700-square-foot fitness center, a resort-style pool, dog spa, bike repair station, and two outdoor courtyards.

Woodlands Garden Acquires 915 Clairemont Corner

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oodlands Garden has reached an important milestone in its “Keep It Green Indie-Catur” campaign. In December 2015, Woodlands closed on the one-acre parcel, thanks to the patient capital of the Decatur Development Authority and Private Bank. Ten Atlanta-based foundations and more than 150 individuals have contributed to make this possible.

14 | Decatur Focus • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

The garden still needs to raise just over $150,000 to meet its goal.

These funds will be used to improve the corner, renovate the visitor center with public bathrooms, and add amenities to make the garden more accessible and user-friendly, such as improved handicap access and a children’s natural play area. #keepitgreenindiecatur, woodlandsgarden.org

Business & Nonprofit News For Your Reading List Clairemont Elementary Kindergarten classes recently completed an expedition: Stories and Symbols Tell. As part of the expedition they did research on symbols, including City of Decatur symbols, and visited the Decatur Visitors Center as part of their research. As a result, the students created three visitors guide books especially for kids who visit Decatur because when they visited the Visitors Center, they didn’t find any information specifically for kids their age. Stop by the Visitors Center and see what they created.

Twelve Days of Christmas Fun Run

Decatur High School cross country team captains invited other DHS students, and a few recent graduates, to participate in a 12-mile invitation run with a twist in early December. The partridge, Sam Ellis, started alone, then picked up two turtle doves at mile one, three french hens at mile two, and so on, with the whole crowd running the last mile together. Costumes were encouraged. By all accounts, the runners all had a blast. It’s likely that something similar will happen next year.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 15

DBA News DBA Officers for 2016 Elected

Marc

Tim Susan

The Decatur Business Association elected and installed a new slate of officers at the holiday meeting. Marc Brennan and Tim Martin will remain as pastpresident and president, respectively. Susan Sparks is the treasurer for 2016, and Kyle Williams is the president-elect. Lisa Bobb (not pictured) is the secretary.

Kyle

Thank you to DBA SPONSORS

Meeting Reminders January 26 State of the City Address

February 23 Black History Month Meeting

Marriott Courtyard 130 Clairemont Ave. Decatur Courtyard by Marriott

Location TBD

5:15 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

Networking Reception Mayor Emerita Elizabeth Wilson’s Black History Month program

Networking Reception Mayor’s State of the City address

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Decatur Events Mead Road Mardi Gras Saturday, Feb. 6

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ecatur has its own rockin’ Mardi Gras tradition – so grab your beads, decorate your bike, scooter or soap box derby car and join us as we bring a little bit of carnival to Decatur. The fun begins at Fifth Avenue Elementary on Oakview Road at noon on Feb. 6. There will be face painting and float decorating and general merrymaking.

Beads will be provided and costumes are encouraged.

The parade steps off at 2 p.m. and marches up Oakview to Mead Road then on to the Imperial Bar, at the corner of Mead and W. College Avenue. The Imperial will feature a special menu of red beans and rice, chicken and sausage gumbo, and jambalaya. There will also be student musicians rocking the house. Proceeds from food and beer sales will support Decatur Education Foundation music grants for the City Schools of Decatur.

Last year, the event raised $4,000, which provided “gathering drums” for Westchester Elementary, Orff instruments for Glennwood Elementary and two pianos for Decatur High School’s Performing Arts Center. Come raise the roof at the Imperial and make sure all of Decatur’s schools can continue to grow their excellent music programs.

For more information or if you would like to make a donation, contact Emily Kean Berg, Mead Road Mardi Gras cofounder and media coordinator, keanbergkrewe@gmail.com, 404-309-1133.

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Experience. Knowledge. Patience. Results.

Emilie Markert.

318 Church Street, Decatur, GA 30030 markert@bellsouth.net 404-235-8900 C: 404.915.8222

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 17

Decatur Events Francine Reed Returns for Black History Month Concert

Afternoon Tea at Holy Trinity

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n Sunday, Feb. 28, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will host its 16th annual English Afternoon Tea in the parish hall at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The event includes tea, scones, sandwiches, and sweets. Proceeds will benefit community outreach programs, which in the past have included Hagar’s House and the Decatur Emergency Assistance Ministry.

Advance tickets are $15 and must be paid for in full by Thursday, Feb. 25. Tickets will be available at the tea for $20.

Holy Trinity is at 515 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. For information, tickets, and reservations for parties of four or more, call 404-377-2622.

Decatur Library Book Sale

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he Friends of the Decatur Library will host a book sale Saturday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the lower level of the Decatur Library at 215 Sycamore St. Thousands of gently used fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books will be available for purchase, as well as some CDs. Only cash or checks will be accepted. Proceeds benefit the programs and collections of the Decatur Library. Donations of gently used books are always welcome at the library front desk.

Francine Reed performs a special concert at Eddie’s Attic each year in celebration of Black History Month and in honor of Mayor Emerita Elizabeth Wilson. She returns this year on Sunday, Feb. 7, at Eddie’s Attic for a special show at 5 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m.

General admission tickets are $20 in advance and $26 at the door; or you may purchase a table with four reserved seats for $100. Tickets are on sale at eddiesattic.com.

AEXURDNLM 10-Apr-2013 15:34 18 | Decatur Focus • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

Decatur Events Decatur City Dance Presents

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ecatur City Dance presents its Winter Dance Concert on Feb. 6 in the St. Pius X High School auditorium, presented by the apprentice and junior ensembles and AboutFace. This year’s concert will feature new works in ballet, jazz, and modern dance along with old favorites, Bach and All, choreographed by Leslie Gourley, and Hush, choreographed by Heather Yates, and a new dance by DCD alum Anna Bracewell.

Visit decaturcitydance.org for show times and to purchase tickets.

CLOSING ITS DOORS! 50% to 75% off ALL MERCHANDISE Jan 4th - 30th 2016

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We thank Decatur for 39 wonderful years!

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235 Ponce de Leon Place Suite M Commerce Square 404-377-7564 All Sales Final * No Exchanges or Discount cards JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 19

Decatur events Events American Council Show Features it’s a Date Craft to Stay up late!

Decatur Barry ll DecaturCeramist residents, and everybody else, too,Rhodes are invited

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to walk in the Decatur Lantern Parade on the evening of he American Craft Council Show (ACC), to be held at the Cobb Galleria, March 11Friday, May 15. This is one of those “the-more-the-merrier” 13, is the Southeast’s largest juried indoor fine craft show. More than 225 nationally events, so plan now to participate and be a part of helping acclaimed craft artisans have been selected to make this lantern parade memorable. to show their one-of-a-kind creations, inMake your own lantern at home or cluding Decatur resident and master ceramist Barry come to a lantern-making workshop Rhodes. Barry is a veteran artist in the show and the where supplies and guidance are providACC presented him with an Award of Excellence for ed. Find out where and when by visiting his ceramic artwork in 2013. decaturlanternparade.com.

The ACC provides special programming, such as To participate, line up at Color Wheel scotch and brew tastings, fashion shows, and designerStudio at 508 E. Howard Ave. after 8 p.m. craft rooms. This year, the show will debut Style Slam, The parade steps off at 9 p.m. led by The in which some of Atlanta’s most savvy stylists will get an Black Sheep Marching Ensemble and pahour or so to pull together an outfit with accessories and rade guru Chantelle Rytter. The parade present their ensembles throughout the show floor. will wend its way to the community A favorite for families is Let’s Make, in which a vabandstand in front of the Old Courtriety of artisans provide interactive demonstrations at house on the square.

“Inspiration Stations” where show-goers can engage in The parade is sponsored by Color making and/or tasting.

Wheel Studio, Decatur Arts Alliance, For details visit craftcouncil.org/atlanta or call Decatur Education Foundation, and Barry’s Basket with Seagrass Handle 612-206-3104. the Decatur Development Authority.

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Oakhurst Elementary Auction

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akhurst Elementary will host its annual Give a Hoot! spring auction on Thursday, March 19, 7-10 p.m., at the Solarium at Old Scottish Rite. Give a Hoot! is a parent-led special event that raises critical funds for Oakhurst Elementary PTA and includes enjoying friends, fine wine, delicious food, craft beer, live music and a lively auction.

Funds raised will support initiatives such as ground improvements, technology needs, student field experiences, the school community garden, professional development opportunities, Teacher Appreciation Week, and other social and cultural events throughout the year. For information contact Rachel Donnelly, rachel.b.donnelly@gmail.com.

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20 | Decatur Focus • MaY JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016 2015

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School News Decatur First Methodist Preschool and Kindergarten Open House: Thursday, Jan. 14 or Monday, Jan. 25 • 9:15-10:30 a.m. • Registration for School Year 2016-2017

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ecatur First Methodist Weekday Children’s Ministries includes a Preschool and Kindergarten program at 312 Sycamore St. Children ages 2-and-a-half (3 by Dec. 31) to age 6 may attend the half-day program, which runs 9 a.m.noon, Monday through Friday, mid-August through May. Optional 12-1 enrichment classes are also available.

The classes offer opportunities to play and learn while developing readiness for learning academic skills. Special features of the program include: small child-teacher ratio; large classrooms; an outdoor playground and a

rainy day indoor playroom; music every day; weekly chapel service led by church ministers; special programs such as storytellers,

musicians, and puppet shows; field trips; Handwriting Without Tears curriculum; Spanish, art, Junior Scientist, Letter Bugs, and yoga classes.

All teachers attend at least four preschool workshop classes each year and are CPR/First Aid trained. There is an active Parent Group with volunteer activities and an option to attend Summer Smiles weekly summer camps.

Visitors, by appointment, are always welcome to visit the classes prior to the Open House dates. Call Joanne Hauserman, 404-377-5784, email dfumpreschool@gmail. com, or visit decaturfirst.org.

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Winter 4-week sessions Developed by start Jan. 6–12, so call Rob Sayer now for class times and schedule a free observation class.

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 21

School News Students Turn Waste into Valuable Compost

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he Academe of the Oaks Learning Garden produces lots of organic waste. The chicken and goat pens are cleaned out regularly and there is always garden waste after harvesting and weeding sessions. There is also plenty of waste after 97 students have lunch, from apple cores and banana peels to leftover salad and paper napkins.

As part of the Green School initiative to becoming a zero-waste school, Academe students turn waste into compost.

Students in the soil ecology class have been making high-quality compost using the hot or thermophilic method, in which the compost pile is built all at once using nitrogen or green materials and carbon or brown materials in specific ratios. Students have learned that the inside of a compost pile can become too hot to touch and have experienced first hand one of the fascinating and necessary processes of nature.

Academe’s Learning Garden is an environmental educational tool, providing educational and engagement opportunities to students, parents, faculty and staff, and to the larger community as well. If you would like to visit the garden, or get more information about Academe of the Oaks, call 404-405-2173, or visit online at academeatlanta.org.

Working for Strong Communities .since 1979.

Morning Garden

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he Waldorf School of Atlanta is looking forward to greeting many new families in its winter sessions of Morning Garden. The program is a time when parents (or other caregivers) and their little ones are guided into the changing world of early childhood. Morning Garden is a place of support, friendship, and meaningful work. Families, guided by the Morning Garden teacher, share life experiences and insights, while modeling for the children the joy of purposeful activity.

Check the WSA website, waldorfatlanta.org/admissions_morninggarden.php, for session dates, times and cost. Parents choose one day to participate with their child(ren). Contact Stacey Alston, 404-3771315 x1060, with any questions.

Saint Thomas More Catholic School Open House Jan. 20 • 7 p.m.

630 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Families can meet the faculty and staff and sign up for school tours to be held on Jan. 25, 26 and 28 at 8:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. Come and see how St. Thomas More Catholic School serves children with a faith-filled and academically challenging education.

Est. 1823 Pop. 18,000

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Your best source for news, notes, and announcements from the City of Decatur

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Est. 1823

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22 | Decatur Focus • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

Around Town

part of local government day at City of Decatur staff members were to be a information about what it means Renfroe Middle School, sharing your how fire, and e polic , sustainability citizen, economic development, an interacded inclu tion enta pres Each e. tax dollars are spent, and mor local ents hands-on experience in how tive exercise designed to give stud roe.

Renf of t fron are pictured in government works. Staff members

Woodlands Garden presented two events late in 2015. More than 275 attended the Cirque De Catur, and more than 400 visited for Fairies in the Garden (despite unpleasant weather).

There was pl enty of good cheer around town during Terrific Thursd ays 2015.

TOP: @avonda leklr #Decatur GA #ShopSmallS atur #SmallBusines day #KeepItIndieCatur sSaturday Center: @hann arkaplan Feliz navidog Above: @mar ghie_p Just a quick chat with my frien d Tom

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